The AMTA is a non-profit organization, 501(c)6, and was
created to promote to the public the proud craft of the
Aircraft Maintenance Professional who are called either Aircraft Maintenance Technician, AMT,
or Aircraft Maintenance Engineer, AME. The first Aircraft Mechanic was Charles E.
Taylor. Mr. Taylor, or "Charlie", was the Wright Brothers mechanic.
Sadly history almost forgot the contributions that Charlie made to aviation.
When Orville and Wilbur needed an engine to power their Wright Glider they were
unable to find a manufacturer who could build one to their specifications. This
is when they turned to Charlie. Having helped build and assemble a lot of the
parts for the Wright Flyer the Wrights asked Charlie if he could build the
engine. The answer was, "Sure."

Starting from a solid block of metal and using basic tools
such as a drill, lathe and some simple hand tools Charlie built the first
aircraft engine and all this from a rough drawing made on a napkin! The Wrights
determined they needed an engine that could not weigh more than 180 pounds and
had to deliver 8-9 horsepower. With the skill, knowledge and integrity Charlie
possessed he provided the Wrights with a four cylinder engine with four inch
stroke and four inch bore weighing 150 pounds and delivering 13 horsepower on
the brake. All this was done in only six weeks! This engine was more than
capable of carrying the weight of 625 pounds of machines and man.

In December 1903 history was made. But history almost forgot
the man who helped turn the Wright Glider into the Wright Flyer. After more than
100 years of aviation it is long past the time where Charles E. Taylor deserves
recognition. Although Orville and Wilbur always gave Charlie the credit for his
contributions history has made him little more than a foot note. Charlie
deserves better!

Charles E. Taylor created a profession whereby the very nature
of this profession recognition is not noted by the public. Thousands of skilled
and professional men and women have followed in Charlie's footsteps. These men
and women like, Charles E. Taylor, carry the burden of an incredible weight.
That weight is aircraft safety. Today's Aircraft Maintenance Technicians, from
manufacturing to overhaul to line maintenance, do not seek the lime light. Just
the opposite! Like Charlie did over 100 years ago, today's AMTs take their craft
seriously and with pride.

It seems as if history repeats itself because today the
Aircraft Maintenance Technician is being forgotten. The AMTA wants to change
that. Next time you fly or plan on flying or see an aircraft streak across the
open skies think about the countless men and women behind the scenes of aircraft
maintenance who remain in the shadows of recognition but always remain
professional and vigilant. Just like Charles E. Taylor did over a century
ago!